Director of Ukiah Animal Shelter on administrative leave.

The director of Mendocino County's animal shelter in Ukiah was suspended last week for undisclosed reasons.

Stacey Cryer, Director of Health and Human Services, said Bliss Fisher is still "employed by the county as its Director of Animal Care Services," but that she would not be at work today(Tuesday) and she could speak to when Fisher would be returning to work.

"I have not been fired and I did not resign," Fisher said Monday, explaining that she left her office Thursday and would not be returning until "issues are resolved," adding that she could not elaborate on what those issues were.

"I think it would be in the best interest of the animals if I did go back (to work)," she said. "My hope is that it is resolved sooner rather than later."

Julie Knudsen of the Spay/Neuter Assistance Program has worked closely with Fisher for years and said many in the animal rescue community are "panicked" after learning that Fisher's office had been cleared out and she was placed on administrative leave.

"She was the keeper of the animals -- she gave them their best shot for survival," Knudsen said, describing Fisher as an "advocate for the animals" who worked "tirelessly, often on her own time."

Knudsen said Fisher does have a "strong personality," but that "her heart is always with the animals," and it is the "animals who are paying the price" during her absence.

"We are all in fear that we will return to the dark ages ... of euthanasia of adoptable animals

without giving them a chance to find new homes to save a few dollars worth of kibble," Knudsen said.

Justine Frederiksen can be reached at udjjf@pacific.net, on Twitter @JustFrederiksen or at 468-3521.